Bengal sent a resounding message in the Ranji Trophy on Tuesday morning, overwhelming Railways in a match that was never in doubt. Led by skipper Anustup Majumdar, Bengal’s all-round excellence earned them an innings-and-120-run win, collecting the maximum seven points and reinforcing their dominance in Group C.
After posting a mammoth 474 runs in their first innings, Bengal’s batting line-up demonstrated poise and power. In reply, Railways struggled against disciplined bowling and a sharp fielding unit, collapsing for 222 runs. Following on, they offered even less resistance, managing just 132 runs as Shahbaz Ahmed’s spinning brilliance left them floundering. Shahbaz’s seven-wicket haul came at a miserly cost of 56 runs in 22.5 overs, completely dismantling the opposition’s middle order. Rahul Hari Prasad and Mohammad Kaif added further breakthroughs, making victory all but inevitable.
By the close of Day 3, Railways were 90 for 5 in their second innings, still trailing by 162 runs. Bengal needed just five more wickets to wrap up the contest, which they achieved effortlessly the following morning. Bhargav Merai’s solitary resistance could not prevent an innings defeat, marking yet another decisive win for the visiting side.
With 20 points from four matches, Bengal are now firmly in control of their Ranji Trophy campaign. Their previous home victories and a single drawn match against Tripura laid the foundation, and this latest away triumph underscores their consistency and depth. The team has successfully blended experience with youthful vigour, providing a template for sustained domestic success.
Shahbaz Ahmed’s performance will be remembered as a masterclass in left-arm spin, showcasing the skill and patience required to dominate at this level. Under Anustup Majumdar’s leadership, Bengal have become a balanced, fearsome outfit capable of challenging for the title, making them a side to watch as the tournament progresses.